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WARD 37 ALDERMAN

EMMA MITTS

The role of an Alderman is to know the needs of his/her Ward and address those needs by connecting the people to the proper resources. No one knows better how to service the needs of the people than Alderman Emma Mitts. Over nearly two decades, Alderman Mitts has built a respectable reputation and has garnered the adornment and love of the people of the 37th Ward through her hard work and dedication. Always for the under-resourced, under-supported under-dog, Alderman Mitts has championed the cause of uniting the people of her Ward to get things done for the betterment of the entire community.

jobs

Alderman Mitts fights to provide jobs for ward residents.

Her philosophy and vision of “Unity In The Community” focuses on strengthening and advancing the community with a simple, yet effective premise: by everyone working together block-by-block and shoulder-to-shoulder. Alderman Mitts is firmly convinced that by working together, we can continue to bring positive changes in the 37th Ward. Through her commitment, the 37th Ward has improved education, reduced crime, enhanced economic development, promoted economic empowerment, provided much needed city services, provided affordable housing as well as increased senior housing in the 37th Ward.

Although the over-all quality of life has greatly improved in the 37th Ward, the new millennium has brought about some new challenges. Alderman Mitts is more determined than ever to make the 37th Ward a model ward for the rest of the city of Chicago. Alderman Mitts challenges her resident to take a more active role in their community and welcome her constituents to come see her with concerns, request and recommendations. Her open door policy is a recurring theme in her office and her transparency and availability is a rarity among city public servants.

West Side Alderman Mission To Rebuild Ward 37

Alderman Mitts’ mission to rebuild the 37th Ward is in full Bloom with her overseeing many projects since taking office. The doors of San Miguel Catholic School and the Washington Square Mall provided needed neighborhood resources, generated jobs and expanded community pride when they opened in 2002 followed by Ronald McNair Elementary School in 2003. The Westside Health Authority has opened its door to the community and in April 2006, thanks to her persistent efforts, the Ward has its first Chicago Public Library. July of 2006 saw the groundbreaking opening of Wal-Mart in the 37th Ward – – which sparked other Wal-Mart stores across Chicago. Alderman Mitts is a champion for economic reinvestment, and over the years welcomed Menards, Coca-Cola and CVS Pharmacy, the Buyer’s Flea Market and many other major, mid-sized and small business enterprises to the 37th Ward.

Today, the near future looks even brighter as the 37th Ward’s first Taco Bell has opened, and other city investments have prompted the growth and expansion of such diverse business entities as the Brown Sugar Bakery, a new soon-to-open Chicago Eats Sports bar & Grill, a new cultural-arts live-work retail establishment from the West Side Health Authority and others. This is all part of her plan to bring economic development, job opportunities, job training and a thriving economy to the 37th Ward. Alderman Mitts co-sponsors Town Hall meetings, the Annual 37th Ward Gospel Fest, the ‘Christmas in the Wards’ Holiday Toy Give-Away and other community events for her constituents as well.

Born June 12th, 1955 in Elaine, Arkansas, Emma Mitts was just 1 of 15 children. This is where her love and understanding of the importance of family was nurtured. Academics and human rights were always important in her household and it stands to reason that Emma was one of the first African American students to integrate her high school in Barton, Arkansas graduating with honors. Emma attended Phillip County Community College (initially pursuing a career in Nursing), has taken courses in Business and Marketing from the University of Arkansas and has attended Triton College in nearby Melrose Park, Illinois.

Upon her arrival in Chicago, Emma got involved with city government. Emma was employed with the Department of Revenue as a Parking Aide then with The Department of Streets and Sanitation as an Accounting Tech II. She was then promoted to Coordinator of Special Projects with the Bureau of Street Operations, becoming the first African American Woman to hold this position. Alderman Mitts worked several years with the Mayor’s Workforce Development Program, a summer jobs program that introduces young people to the workforce. Alderman Mitts was a CAPS Facilitator in the 15th District, Block Club President, a Henry Horner Boys and Girls Club Sunday-School Instructor and President of the Community Action Council (a neighborhood organization).

Alderman Mitts was a founder of the Community Action Council serving as precinct captain, coordinator, director, vice president and president. She continues to represent this community by working with several community organizations including The New 37th Ward Democratic Organization, an organization created to help facilitate the various needs of the 37th Ward. A proud mother of a son and a daughter who are both successful products of the Chicago Public School System, Alderman Emma Mitts has resided in the same Austin community for over twenty years. Alderman Mitts is a faithful member of the1st Baptist Congressional Church for over 20 years, where The Reverend George Daniels is the Pastor.

Alderman Mitts was a founder of the Community Action Council serving as precinct captain, coordinator, director, vice president and president. She continues to represent this community by working with several community organizations including The New 37th Ward Democratic Organization, an organization created to help facilitate the various needs of the 37th Ward. A proud mother of a son and a daughter who are both successful products of the Chicago Public School System, Alderman Emma Mitts has resided in the same Austin community for over twenty years. Alderman Mitts is a faithful member of the1st Baptist Congressional Church for over 20 years, where The Reverend George Daniels is the Pastor.

The bottom line – – Alderman Emma Mitts is a woman of strategic vision, courage, integrity, compassion and strong character, all which combine to make her a great leader. Alderman Mitts is, in the final analysis, is a true Chicagoan. The continued current and future support of the people of the 37th Ward will allow Alderman Mitts to advance the 37th Ward forward in Unity and in Love.

 

 

ALDERMAN MITTS

WARD 37 TIMELINE

1000000000
TAX REVENUE
15
ESTABLISHED NEW SCHOOLS
5000
PRE/POST CONSTRUCTION JOBS CREATED
Appointed As Alderman

Serving 4th Term

2001

West Chicago Avenue Branch Library

Brought the first library to Ward 37

2001

Introduced Harris Bank

Brought new Harris Bank to Ward 37

2004

Coca-Cola Distribution Co 2004

Brought Coca-Cola Distribution Co to Ward 37

2005

Walmart

Opened first Walmart in Chicago

2007

Enclave Galewood Crossing Housing Development

Aided in the Enclave Galewood Crossing Housing Development

2008

Aldi

Brought Aldi to Ward 37 during the recession

2009

Dr. Jorge Prieto School

Opened Dr. Jorge Prieto School 2009 in Ward 37

2012

Planet Fitness

Brought Planet Fitness to Ward 37

2013

New Mom’s Organization

Welcomed the New Mom’s Organization to Ward 37

2014

Ross Clothing

Opened Ross Clothing 2014

2014

Metropolitan Farms Fresh Gardening & Aquaponics

Opened Metropolitan Farms Fresh Gardening and Aquaponics

2016

Freedman Seating Expansion

Aided in the Freedman Seating Expansion

2018

Taco Bell

Opened Taco Bell in Ward 37

2018

2000

Westside Black Elected Officials

Chairman of the Westside Black Elected Officials

2001

City Council Committee Chair

First Woman to Chair City Council Committee

2002

Cook County Outpatient Center

Brought Outpatient Center to Ward 37

2004

Banner Learning Alternative Schools

Brought in Banner Learning Alternative Schools

2006

CHASE Bank

Brought CHASE Bank to Ward 37

2007

Bank of America

Brought Bank of America to Ward 37

2008

Menards

Brought Menards to Ward 37

2009

Food 4 Less

Opened Food 4 Less in Ward 37

2012

Christopher House

Opened Christopher House | Schools that help low-income families succeed

2013

Relocated O’Leary’s

Relocated O’Leary’s with TIF

2014

ITW David Speer Academy

Brought ITW David Speer Academy to Ward 37

2015

MZUZI Student Run Retail Store

Aided in opening the MZUZI student-run retail store

2017

Wintrust Bank

Brought Wintrust Bank to Ward 37

2018

Brown Sugar Bakery

Opened Brown Sugar Bakery in Ward 37